Three points for the Mintcakes

Kendal Town moved to within one point of the play offs after an impressive 1-0 win at Ossett Town. Connor Gaul’s scintillating left footed strike after 35 minutes proved to be the decisive moment, while loanee goal keeper Morgan Bacon made a crucial save in the second half to deny the hosts as Kendal continued their good run of form.

Kendal, who played with intent and purpose, dominated the first half and were almost in front after five minutes when Charlie Bowman saw his goal-bound effort blocked by the Ossett defence.

The visitors continued to create problems with Gaul the main focal point as the former Colne player outpaced the home team defence on many occasions, while the centre half partnership of Ashley Jackson and Alex Low made some last ditch challenges to keep the game goalless.

Kendal opened the scoring after 35 minutes when Gaul unleashed an unstoppable strike into the bottom corner of the net. Gaul capitalised on a mistake by one of the Ossett defenders before firing the ball home.

Ossett battled back during the second half as Danny South's effort was cleared off the line, while Amil Sinclair hooked the ball over from close range.

Kendal had to defend well while Ossett applied the pressure, but the Mintcakes remained a danger on the counter attack. Charlie Bowman and Mike Aspin were both denied by Ossett shot stopper Leigh Overton.

Ossett created further opportunities through Sinclair and Jack Mawson, but the key moment in the game came late into the second half as Bacon made a pivotal save to deny Ossett striker Corey Gregory.

Bacon, on loan from Carlisle United, punched the ball to the right hand side after Gregory unleashed a shot from the edge of the box. The save was even more spectacular as Bacon had had to watch the ball through a crowd of players as the keeper was left relatively unsighted.

The Mintcakes though battled their way through the closing moments while Rick Seear fired over before Gaul's free kick went well wide of goal.

But Kendal held on to register a crucial win in the team's quest for the play offs. They entertain third placed Prescot Cables on Saturday in another important game for the team.